Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a support mounted to the side of the vehicle; a support arm extending from said support to a distal end; a mirror housing movable along said support arm from a first position proximate said fixed support to a second position proximate said distal end, and enclosing a mirror unit and an electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism for adjusting said mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes; an electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism for pivoting said support arm about said support between an extended position and a folded position, and for moving said mirror housing along said support arm from said first position to said second position; and an electronic control system operable by a driver of the vehicle to control the operation of said powered pivoting and extending mechanism independent of the operation of said powered mirror unit adjust mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.

Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a twin-arm assembly comprising a pair of parallel support arms connected at one end to a base attached to the vehicle and movably connected at another end to a reflective element assembly through a movable support bracket. The support bracket supports a reflective element assembly and is attached to the twin-arm assembly through a pair of integral bearings which translate along the arms to extend or retract the reflective element assembly. In one embodiment, the bearing imparts a friction force to the arm to enable the bracket to be moved along the arm under the influence of an extension/retraction force, but to maintain the bracket at a selected position along the arm when the force is removed. In another embodiment, the bearing is adapted for frictionless translation of the bracket along the arms under the influence of a powerextend actuator.

Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a twin-arm assembly comprising a pair of parallel support arms connected at one end to a base attached to the vehicle and movably connected at another end to a reflective element assembly through a movable support bracket. The support bracket supports a reflective element assembly and is attached to the twin-arm assembly through a pair of integral bearings which translate along the arms to extend or retract the reflective element assembly. In one embodiment, the bearing imparts a friction force to the arm to enable the bracket to be moved along the arm under the influence of an extension/retraction force, but to maintain the bracket at a selected position along the arm when the force is removed. In another embodiment, the bearing is adapted for frictionless translation of the bracket along the arms under the influence of a powerextend actuator.

Abstract: A rearview mirror tilt actuator comprises a clutch assembly that selectively transfers torque from an actuator motor to one of at least two output shafts based upon the speed of the motor. One output shaft can pivot the mirror about a first axis of rotation; another output shaft can pivot the mirror about a second axis of rotation. One output shaft can pivot the mirror housing; the other output shaft can extend and retract the mirror housing. At a low speed, the clutch assembly is disengaged, thus only the first output shaft is activated. At a high speed, the clutch assembly is engaged, thus both output shafts are activated. The mirror assembly described herein also has an improved mass configuration which allows for lower moments of inertia in the direction of mirror travel.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior mirror system comprises an exterior mirror assembly and an electronic control system. The exterior mirror assembly has a fixed support adapted to be mounted to the side of the vehicle and has a mirror housing supported by a support arm and movable along the support arm from a first position proximate to the fixed support to a second position proximate to a distal end of the support arm. The exterior mirror assembly comprises a first electrically powered mechanism for pivoting the support arm about the fixed support, a second electrically powered mechanism for moving the mirror housing along the support arm and a third electrically powered mechanism operable to adjust a mirror unit of the mirror housing to a desired adjusted position. The electronic control system is operable by the driver of the vehicle to control operation of at least the first electrically powered mechanism independent of operation of the second electrically powered mechanism.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system comprises a spotter mirror for providing an image of an object in a vehicle's blind zone to the vehicle's operator. A recognition enhancement device is provided with the spotter mirror for drawing the attention of the driver to the spotter mirror when an overtaking vehicle enters the driver's blind zone. The signaling display is activated by a sensing system which senses the presence of the overtaking vehicle in the blind zone. An electrochromic element is incorporated into the spotter mirror to reduce the intensity of light transmitted from the object and reflected from the spotter mirror. Activation of the electrochromic element to darken the spotter mirror will induce the operator to observe the object in the spotter mirror.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly is provided which can be moved via a power-transmitting assembly between folded and unfolded positions and the unfolded position and an extended position.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprises a reflective element, preferably fabricated of a lightweight, rigid, high-strength plastic and a relatively thin reflective film conformably attached thereto. A portion of the reflective element can also comprise a convex surface for monitoring the “blind spot” typically experienced by the driver. A mirror-mounted light assembly, such as for turn signals, can be incorporated into the reflective element. The mirror assembly can also comprise a chromomorphic polymeric element in planar alignment with the reflective element, which can be electrically and/or thermally activated. The chromomorphic polymeric element can change its resident color between transparent and a predetermined activated color to provide a dimming function as a characteristic of the particular chromomorphic polymeric element that is employed.

Abstract: A rearview mirror tilt actuator comprises a clutch assembly that selectively transfers torque from an actuator motor to one of at least two output shafts based upon the speed of the motor. One output shaft can pivot the mirror about a first axis of rotation; another output shaft can pivot the mirror about a second axis of rotation. One output shaft can pivot the mirror housing; the other output shaft can extend and retract the mirror housing. At a low speed, the clutch assembly is disengaged, thus only the first output shaft is activated. At a high speed, the clutch assembly is engaged, thus both output shafts are activated The mirror assembly described herein also has an improved mass configuration which allows for lower moments of inertia in the direction of mirror travel.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly is provided which can be moved via a power-transmitting assembly between folded and unfolded positions and the unfolded position and an extended position.